HOUSTON, TX (January 21, 2009) Cincinnati native Ricardo Williams Jr. is diligently preparing for his return home in the heat of a Houston, Texas boxing gym as he readies to headline the Saturday, January 31st “HOMECOMING” world class professional boxing card at the U.S. Bank Arena. “It’s been a long time, almost five years since I’ve been home and I’m ‘more than ready’ to fight in Cincy” said the 2000 U.S. Olympian. “I’m really looking forward to fighting at home..”
Back after a three year layoff due to legal problems, Williams has put together a three bout winning streak which started last June. Most recently he won an eight round unanimous decision over Dairo Esales in Las Vegas on October 11th.
“I’ve felt better every time out. After this next fight on the 31st, I’m ready for anyone in the top ten at 140 or 147” stated Williams. “There’s no one in particular but I’m ready for any opportunity that comes my way.”
About the three year layoff, Williams stated, “I made some mistakes and now it’s time to move onto the future. I can’t dwell on what happened, I just need to move forward and be fully prepared every time I’m in the ring.”
When asked what fans should expect in Cincinnati on the 31st, Williams promised, “They should expect a great performance and their money’s worth.”
Details of Williams’ upcoming bout will be announced shortly.
The co-main event at “HOMECOMING” features super middleweight Aaron Pryor Jr., son of legendary former world champion Aaron Pryor.
“HOMECOMING” is presented by Cincinnati ’s TMAX Events and Las Vegas based TKO BOXING Promotions.
The undercard at “HOMECOMING” features newcomers and pro debuters from the Cincinnati, OH area including junior lightweights Tony Walker, Mel Crossley and Jesse Carridine, Russian heavyweight Nurpais Torobekov, junior welterweight Shannon Hill and super middleweight Antonio Weathers; all of whom will be appearing in separate four rounders.
Advance tickets, priced at $79.75, $40.75 and $23.75 can be purchased online through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 513-462-4949. The U.S. Bank Arena is located at 100 Broadway St. in Cincinnati , adjacent to the Great American Ball Park . Doors will open on the evening of the event at 7:30pm with the first bell at 8pm.
Formed in early 2008, Chet Koerner’s Las Vegas based TKO BOXING Promotions stable includes; super middleweight Joey Gilbert, middleweights Elvin Ayala, Albert Onolunose and James Countryman, junior middleweights Bastie Samir and Anthony Thompson, welterweight Juan Buendia and Raul Tovar, junior welterweights Jonathan Gover, Francisco Contreras and Hastings Bwayla, lightweights Rolando Reyes and Terrance Crawford, junior lightweight Katy Klinefelter, featherweights Eric Hunter, Carney Bowman, Delvin Placencia, Rafael Lora and Maxwell Awaku, super bantamweights Rafael Valenzuela and Carlos Reyes and bantamweight Emily Klinefelter.
OLYMPIAN YANEZ SET TO FACE VALADEZ
LIVE ON FOX SPORTS NET, SOUTHWEST FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH…DALLAS’ AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER
DALLAS, TEXAS — 2008 U.S. Olympian, Luis Yanez, now knows who will be standing between himself and his first professional victory when he makes his pro boxing debut at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, on Friday, February 20th.
Yanez will take on San Antonio’s Julio Valadez (3-2), according to the event matchmaker, Wayne Harrison, who represents promoter — Mendelson Entertainment Group, LLC. The Yanez vs Valadez six-round Jr. Bantamweight main event, will headline a six-bout fight card, starting at 7:30 p.m. The remainder of the card is to be announced.
The event is being promoted by Barry Mendelson and his Mendelson Entertainment Group, LLC, in association with Media 13, Dallas businessman Ray Quintanilla and Brown Boy Media.
Mendelson has also confirmed that the Yanez’ pro debut against Valadez will be telecast live on Fox Sports Net Southwest, starting at 9:00 p.m.
Tickets are priced at $25, $45, $60 and $125 and available at the American Airlines Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets — including online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 1-800-745-3000. For event info, fans may go to www.thelatinlegend.com or www.americanairlines center.com.
Now that the 20 year-old Yanez has confirmation on his opponent, one would think it would matter, but not with him. “To be honest, I don’t care who they put in the ring with me,” Yanez stated.
“Either way, I will train the same and fight just as hard. All I know is – whoever it is, they are about to find out about why they call me ‘The Latin Legend.’ And that’s not good for them.”
According to Harrison, Yanez will be facing a tough, determined young fighter in Valadez. “He’s a very physical fighter that will stand there and slug it out with anyone,” said Harrison of Valadez. “We were looking for someone with some experience and a fighter who would not be intimidated by Yanez’ amateur background. Valadez is not the kind of fighter who can easily be intimidated.”
So what does Valadez think about fighting the heralded Olympian, Yanez? “He’s just another fight to me,” said Valadez. “I know he’s supposed to be this and that, but he’s never fought without a headgear, never fought at 116 lbs. and most importantly, never fought me. I plan to take it to him and see what he’s really got. My plan is to give him a rude welcome to professional boxing.”
That suits Yanez just fine. “Bring it on,” he smiled. “I like a challenge, especially from a guy who thinks less of me and more of himself. That will change after the fight, you wait and see.”
As for the television broadcast on Fox Sports Net Southwest, Mendelson couldn’t be happier that boxing fans around the Southwest will get to see Yanez’ pro debut live.
“Luis’ first fight being televised live on FSN Southwest is huge for us,” said Mendelson, Yanez’ promoter. “We couldn’t ask for a better broadcast partner than FSN and this will give fight fans all over the Southwest an opportunity to see the start of what we feel will be a great career for Luis.”
Equally thrilled to get Yanez on the airwaves is FSN Southwest General Manager, John Heidtke. “This is a terrific opportunity for us at FSN Southwest to showcase one of the best young boxers in the world,” said Heidtke. “We’re excited to have Luis on with us and look forward to a terrific event on February 20th.
Oscar De La Hoya to Serve as the Official Spokesperson for USA Boxing’s Gloves Not Guns Program
(COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.) – Ten-time world champion and 1992 Olympic gold medalist Oscar De La Hoya will serve as the official spokesperson for USA Boxing’s youth initiative and development program, Gloves Not Guns. De La Hoya will assist in promoting this important community initiative, which gives kids a free introduction to boxing as an athletic way to improve their lives and fill their time with a positive activity.
The program debuted at the AIBA World Championships in Chicago in 2007 in partnership with World Sport Chicago and the United States Olympic Committee with funding from an Olympic Opportunity Grant. Gloves Not Guns includes a launch clinic with boxing facilities and instruction made available without charge for all attendees. Athletes graduate through various levels of the program, including shadow-boxing, bag drills, pad combinations and jump rope instruction. Upon completion of the six-week program, graduates receive a free one-year membership to USA Boxing.
The Gloves Not Guns program will take place in six target markets in 2009, including Los Angeles, Denver, Washington DC, Miami, Illinois and Connecticut. The National Police Athletic League is a partner in the program, which also benefits from an Urban Development grant from the United States Olympic Committee.
The 1992 Olympic gold medalist in the lightweight division, De La Hoya enjoyed an outstanding amateur career, capped by his victory at the Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. The Golden Boy took up the sport of boxing at only six-years-old, following his father and grandfather into the ring. He built an incredible 223-5 record during his thirteen years as an amateur, and went on to enjoy an extraordinary professional career, winning 10 world titles while competing against the best boxers of his generation.
“We are delighted that Oscar has agreed to support Gloves Not Guns,” commented USA Boxing CEO Jim Millman. “He has been a wonderful role model for young people throughout his career and is a perfect example of the success that you can achieve with the right mix of character, talent and dedication.”
“Juvenile delinquency continues to be a pervasive problem in America today,” added De La Hoya. “I hope my involvement in this positive program will help young people realize that boxing offers wonderful opportunities for character development and self esteem, regardless of their talent level.”
USA Boxing and Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions announced a strategic alliance in 2008, with the two organizations announcing plans to collaborate on numerous marketing, media, broadcast and consulting efforts.
As the official spokesperson for the Gloves Not Guns program, De La Hoya will be featured on program advertisements and will provide public relations and event support for the program, particularly in Los Angeles.
USA Boxing, as the national governing body for Olympic-style boxing, is the United States’ member organization of the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) and a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). It is responsible for the selection and management of the United States Olympic Boxing Team, and for the governance and oversight of USA Boxing’s national organization of 38,000 members, 1,400 individual boxing clubs, and 1,600 sanctioned events annually.